News of the Unions.

White Ribbon, Volume 16, Issue 184, 15 October 1910, Page 3

News of the Unions.

[The Editor cannot promise to insert anything in the next issue that does not reach her by the Nth of the month. Correspondents are requested to write their Reports as concisely as possible, on one side of the paper only. Newspaper cuttings are unsuitable ] HAWERA. September Nth Mrs Duxtield presided. Two new members were initiated. The Secretary read a paper on “ Medicated Wines A vote of thanks was passed to Mrs Cole for her very encouraging letter. Mrs Kirby and Miss Taylor were appointed to get subscriliers for the Temperance Educational Quarterly Miss Taylor was appointed Superintendent of Hospital Work. TUAKAU. •September IHth, in the Wesleyan Church, Mrs Hunter presiding, Greetings were received and reciprocated from various Unions in New Zealand and Coburg Union, Melbourne. The following resolutions were passed and forwarded to the Premier : 1. That this Union coi aiders public boxing contests near akin to prize-fighting, and an aid to gambling, therefore w e protest against public boxing contests taking place in New Zealand. *2. That the time lias now come when hotels should he brought under the trail* regulations, ami all hotels he compelled to close the liars five days in the week at (i p.in., and on Saturdays at noon. EEILDINCI. October ."»th. Much regret was expressed at the President’s absence through illness, and a message of sympathy and appreciation of her services sent. Resolved to invite Mrs Henry during the Mission to give us an address. Resolved to write to the Executive of the A. and P. Show for permission to have a refreshment booth oil the grounds. Our next meeting will be the annual one and election of officers will take place

KAIAPOI. September 2S a social was held. A letter of thanks for sympathy was read from Rev. Dukes. Mrs Harrison gave a re»umt of Dr Findlay's proposals for dealing with contagious diseases. Mrs T. O. Blackwell explained tin* attitude of Convention tow ards these proposals. Mesdames Mitchell and Ellen promised to assist in the cottage prayer meetings. Mrs T. O. Blackwell gave an interesting and comprehensive report of Convention. Mrs Harrison drew attention to the article in the Record on the “Catch My Pal movement. A message of sympathy to be sent to Mrs lies. Three new members were initiated. M ANA IA. September 10th, held at the residence of Mrs A. H. Parkinson. There was a good attendance and the meeting was very much assisted by Mesdames Duxtield, A Court, Boase, and Browne, of the Hawera Union ; Mrs Patterson (President) presided. Several new members were elected, and the following departments adopted and officers appointed : Miss Gamliu, Reporter to the Wnm. Ribbon ; Mrs Ricketts, .Superintendent of the “Cradle

Roll Mrs Hansen, Agent for the Whitk Ribbon. Afternoon tea provided by the hostess, enjoyable musical items were given, and a very helpful meeting brought to a close. WOODVILLE. August 30th, in the Presbyterian Hall, the President presided. A letter was read from Mrs Peryman. which expressed pleasure at our re formation, and a welcome to our branch from the New Zealand Union. A small grant w as made to Mrs Sow ry for Temperance leallets for box at railway station. WELLINGTON CENTRAL. There was a Very good attendance at our Septemlier meeting, Mrs Atkinson presiding. A letter from Miss Anna Gordon, relating to the World’s Convention, was read. Mrs Port, Relegate to Provincial Convention, gave an interesting and vivid report. “Cradle Roll ” work was started, “ Home meetings arranged for, and three new memliers initiated. “ Home meeting at the residence of Mrs Port, Septemlier 20th, was very successful, 20 ladies were present. Mrs Kirk presided. Mrs Atkinson gave a very interesting address on the origin of the Union, describing the different departments of work. Afternoon tea and the initiation of 0 members concluded ail enjoyable meeting. LOWER MUTT.

The usual meeting was fairly well attended. Two sisters from Upper Hutt and Napier were welcomed. The President being unable to attend, Mrs Jansen presided. Letters from Mrs Hayes and Miss *<ovell-,Smith were read and discussed. The Secretary was instructed to w rite our M.H.R. and the Premier rt the hastening of the repeal of the (Mb Acts and urge that in our opinion education and free medical treatment were the surest and safest remedies for this evil. A prayer meeting was held proving beneficial and inspiring. We feel that in weakness God is our power. SOUTH DUNEDIN.

September Bth, Mrs Hancock presided over the meeting in Cargill Road W esley Church Schoolroom. Owing to increase in our numbers, the desirability of obtaining a larger room was discussed Hand of Hoje meetings report flourishing gatherings of young people. Prizes are given by two of our memliers for best reciting of a poem recently published in Vanguard. Mrs MacPhersou called attention to the facts brought to light by the inquiry into the Sydenham Working Men's Club, the locker system has proved to be an outstanding evil. NGARUAWAMIA. Ma) f»di, our first meeting of the “Cradle Roll was held in the Tow n Hall, the President of the Union presiding. We enrolled 3d names, which was an encouraging beginning. August 18th, meeting held in Town Hall. Mr Potts, leader of the Rami of Hope, gave an address, ami songs by the children. Five new members were enrolled, and by house to house visitation our roll numbers til. WANGANUI.

October 7th, in St. Paul's classroom, a devotional meeting was held at 2.30 and a pajier read by Mrs Upton on “Responsibility.” Three o'clock, business commenced. A postcard from Miss Maunder rt scientific in-

struction was read and discussed ; a letter from the Legal and Parliamentary Superintendent re criticism on Rr Findlay s action ; a plan for Temperance Sunday was discussed and a deputation elected to wait upon the Ministers' Association to ask for their co-operation ; Secretary to write rt terms, Ac., for having a Rest lent at the Show ; ISO Temperance wall sheets have l>e-en mounted and sent out to the different scl ools by the consent of the education Hoard. HAMILTON. Mrs Henderson presided at the meeting held in the Wdlard Girls’ Room. Arrangements were made to hold a Provincial Convention September 21st. Two Relegates to be entertained from each auxiliary. Five new members were enrolled. NO A ERE. A petition rr “ Bible reading has liecn taken round the district ami lias been signed by nearly all those householders who have children attending the State school. Telegrams were sent to the Premier and our memlier, urging that they support the demands of the Dominion No-License Convention of 1910. Letters frJm members now living in Waitangi and Oieymouth were read, telling of the work done l»y our sister Unions proved interesting and i.Mpful. INVERCARGILL.

September 6th, Mrs Luycock presided. Mrs Garrett's paper on “Purity ” was read and highly appreciated, each member feeling inspired to work against the great evil of impurity. One new member was enrolled. Octolier 4th. The subject for the Heaven Kssay Competition was “Alcohol, its Effects on the Individual and the Nation.” Winners, first prize, £lO, Mr C. S. Brown; second, £3, Mr F. Simon ; third, £2, Miss Kva McLean. Rr Findlay’s Bill re infectious diseases was discussed, and the President of the Southland Racing Club’s recent address. The Secretary was instructed to write to Mr Hanan, M.P., thanking him for voting for suppression of bookmakers. Resolved to supply Mr Allen with leaflets, magazines, etc., for distribution among emigrant lads, he being in charge of many such. Annual meeting Ist November. TIMARU. September 28th, large attendance, Mrs Rule presided. Mr Stead reported busy month, 03 sailors making 281 visits. Mrs Trott gave a full account of Waimate Convention. Resolutions re Rr Findlay’s proposals were passed to lie sent to the Premier. Six copies of booklet rt “Temperance Instruction,” recommended by Miss Maunder, to be ordered ami given to the local schoolmasters. We regret that owing to our not being satisfied with the position granted for our Tent on the A. and P. Show grounds we withdrew our application.

TIMARU “Y.” September sth. Our President gave a helpful and inspiring talk on “ The Secret of a Light Heart.’ The initiatory service was conducted and three new members taken into fellowship. About 30 members were present. The Room continues to be kept open each evening and the sewing machine is much appreciated. Mrs Brooker has graciously offered one evening in

the month to assist young women with cuttingout and fitting blouses. The concert given at the Maori pa was much appreciated. Several small gifts to add to the comfort of our Room were gratefully received. October 3rd, Mrs Bardsley presided. The efforts of Miss Hillary resulted in a very enjoyable concert given at the Old Men s Home, which gave much pleasure to the inmates. Fruits and sweets were handed round. Three of our members attended the Provincial Convention at Waimate. Good reports were given. Sailors’ comfort bags arc being made. One new member was welcomed.

NAPIER. Septemlier loth, “ Franchise Ray, was celebrated by a special meeting presided over by Mrs Leask. Mrs Oldham gave an address on “Women’s Privileges.” She urged all women to use their influence for the good of others and also to use the power that was granted to them by the franchise in the right direction. Mrs Findlay contributed a pleasing item. Two new memliers were enrolled. WELLINGTON DISTRICT. 1 lie quarterly meeting was held October bth, memliers from the Central, Upper Hutt, and Hutt Unions being present. Mrs Hoxall presided. Mrs Kirk, for many years President of the Union, was warmly welcomed. She still continues to take a keen interest iu our work although unable to be often with us. Mrs Port read an excellent report of the Master ton Convention, and Mrs Keene's report was also read. A vote of deep sympathy was passed with the friends of one of our late members, Mrs Keith Kwen, wife of the Pastor of the Berhampore Baptist Church. Miss Miller spoke of the life and influence of our late friend and of the work she had done for Temperance whilst in our midst. Mrs Rr Chappie’s letter on the World’s Convention was read and proved very interesting One new member was initiated.

AUCKLAND. August 10th. Letters were received from Rr Findlay and Sir Joseph Ward in reply to the resolutions sent in reference to the C.R. Act, bookmakers, and the exhibition of pictures of the St. Reno tight. A sack of old garments was sent to the Maoris, appealed for by a schoolmaster at Raw hiti. August 24th, Mrs Thorpe, Vice-President, presided, in the absence of our President through sickness. A letter of thanks was received for the garments sent to the Maoris and an apjieat for more. Mrs Breudel, late Secretary I'auranga, w-as welcomed, having come to reside in Auckland, and spoke a few words about tee work at Tanranga. Mrs Stanners, Kltliam, also gave us a very encouraging account of the work in her district. September 14th, Mrs Dewar presided. A request from Miss Lovell-Smith for the Union to write to the Premier and members rt the C. b. Act, was acceded to, bringing the matter before them in the light which the W.C.T.U. nls Rr Findlay’s Mrs Rosew9 ns, Napier, Mrs Jamieson. Tariki, were welcomed. Miss Kvans also spoke upon her work.

CHRISTCHURCH. August 10th, a very interesting address on “Prison Reform was given by Mrs J. 11. Wilson. She said the “indeterminate sentence,” w hich is the fou ulation of prison reform, had as yet in New Zealand only been

used as a means for the detention of habitual offenders when all else had failed, and thus its whole point ami motive had l>een lost, because instead of being a door of hope it had l«en made a gateway of despair. A very large proportion of the prison population was idle, illiterate, and unskilled in the industrial arts, in fact, industrial inefficiency lay at the root of the criminal character, so that one practical problem lay well within comprehension, namely, the industrial training of the prisoner. The new system was based on the assumption that character can be formed and evil tendencies corrected by wise and judicious treat incut applied to the Individual needs of tin* offender, to whose self-interest and love of liberty an appeal was made through the indeterminate sentence and marking system. The new method did not aim at pampering the criminal, hut was necessarily a rigorous experience for him, his whole conscious life being placed under unceasing direction, ami held in a firm grasp of training of the physical, mental and moral man, in order to secure his proper training, and if possible, his complete reformation.

August 17th mid 21th, a large amount of business connected with the enlargement of the Union's luneh -on tent at the A. and I*. Show Grounds, and other matters, was transited. Upon the initiative of the 1 nion, two meetings have Ikh-h held during the month, at which delegates from social and labour organisations hi.ve discussed \he domestic servants' problem, and a committee has been set up to endeavour t.* formulate a scheme which should meet the admittedly existing difficulties without resorting to the importation of labour under conditions repugnant to tie* spirit of the labour legislation and conditions ot the dominion.

September 11th, the President gave an interesting report of the District Convention held at Waimate, and a considerable amount of business in connection with Dr. Findlay's proposals for dealing w ith contagious diseases, and other matters, was transacted.

September 2mli, an address was given with reference to a proposal recently submitted to the Hoard of Education for the appointment of a woman inspector of schools, and the following resolution was carried unanimously : Seeing that, presum ihlv, half of tin* children under the care of the Hoard of Education are girls, and a majority of the teachers under the Hoard’s jurisdiction are women—many of them only just emerging out of girlhood—this Union is strongly of opinion that at least one of the Hoard’s inspector's should be a woman; and further, that in addition to the ordinary work of an inspector, she should he speeiallv empowered to make particular enquiries as to the sanitary arrangements of schools, and the provision mad** tor the com tort able housing and protection of young women teachers who aave sole charge of country district schools. A paptron comfortable clothing was read by a nu mber and diseased. Franchise Day to be celebrated at tie* next meeting. ASHBURTON. Scptenil)cr 18th, Mrs Fill presiding A letter was received from Mi s Agnes Slack, per Mrs Cole, commending members of the B. \N U 1’ U. and Vs to the Aslilmrton branch and bespeaking for them a warm welcome. The following resolutions were carried unanimously : “ That in the opinion of this Union it would hasten the end of sly grog-selling if it were made impossible for a convicted sly grog-seller to buy liquor in the Dominion, ami to that end wc urge an amendment of the law, making a

conviction for sly grog-selling carry with it the issue of a Prohibition order against the person convicted.” “ That this meeting of the W.C.T.U. of Ashburton begs to direct the attention of the Minister of Railways to the violence that is done t • the spirit and letter of on * of the most vital laws of the country by permitting anyone in any or under any circumstances to advertise spirituous liquor or liquors on any *>tatc property within any No-Ficcnse district in the Dominion and trusts that the grave moral offence that is committed may be instantly discontinued and never be repeated or further permitted by the Railway Department or any other Department of the State of New Zealand.”

It was decided to place two or more children’s cots in the Rest lent at the Show for the convenience of the public. September Ifftli. a Recital was given by Mr L)e Spong, Dunedin, in St. Andrew’s Hall, This was a most enjoyable elocutionary tre°t A substantial addition to our funds resulted. Mrs Fill presided. OTALTAU. September Bth. it was resolved to approach the members of the Young \\ omen’s Bible Class with regard to joining the Union A paper was read ami discussed on the (’ D. Acts. Members were reminded that all subscriptions should lapaid in to the Treasurer before or at the December meeting. NORTH-EAST VALLEY. August 25th, at the second annual meeting, held in the Young Men's Institute, Mrs Mason presided. The hall was beautifully decorated Mrs Blair, Dunedin; Mrs Hancock, South Dunedin ; and Mrs Jolinstcn, Port ('halincrs, made encouraging remarks. Mrs Don gave a very stirring address on the “ I'obler Chocolate Question,” which fosters the gambling spirit in the children, and aim spoke on the Indecent Publications Hill

The report of the work si »ws steady progress Dining the year we had the privilege of listening to addresses from SisLr \oung and •Sister ('iiristabel.

At the February meeting the Rev. Mr Borrie give a ino.-t interesting account of the w ik of the British and Foreign Bible Society, -i.e result being that Mrs H IF Gray was appointed conv-ncr of a Committee to arrange and carry out systematic collecting in the \ alley for this worthy object. At the March meeting, Mrs Blair, President of Dunedin Union, was present and showed very clearly what a splendid work might l>e done. Uollecting cards for Maori work show good results. Parcels of literature have been sent to backldocks for w hich letters of appreciation have been received. Total membership including 10 m*w members , 4ff, fully paid up The following resolutions were passed : “This meeting thoroughly approves of the leading principles of the Indecent Publications Hill, and earnestly urges the Government and Parliament to place it on the Statute Book this session.

“To that end precedence might, if necessary, Ik? given to it on the score of urgency, as there i.- j#i\e need for prompt action. “ Requests the Government to give the Stipendiary Magistrates discretionary power, where the interests of public morality so demand, to clear their Uourts during the

hearing of cases of assault on women and girls.” September 22nd, officers were elected ; President, Mrs I. Sinclair Mason ; VicePresidents, Mra J. Hislopand Mrs T. Wright; Secretary, Miss Dagger ; Corresponding Secretary, Miss Begg ; Treasurer, Mrs Rhodes ; Committee, Mesdames Birehall, Butcher, Begg, Murray, and Williams ; Superintendents Band of Hope, Miss Archer and Mrs Butcher: Evangelistic, Mrs H. B. Gray; Wiiitk Rikhon, Mrs Wright A letter waa sent to Lh»* Premier tv U. I >. Act->.